Nikola Topic has completed chemotherapy for testicular cancer and has resumed training, agent Misko Raznatovic told Serbia’s Arena Sport TV. Raznatovic said the 20-year-old Oklahoma City Thunder guard, sidelined all season after an ACL injury, remained active during treatment and could see minutes in both the G League and NBA later this year if recovery stays on track.
Blazers push for Moda Center funding
The Portland Trail Blazers plan to ask Oregon lawmakers next month to reroute all state income taxes collected from NBA players and team employees—both home and visiting—into a $600 million renovation of the Moda Center, The Oregonian reported. A source familiar with the proposal told the paper the measure would help secure the franchise’s long-term future in Portland.
Nnaji fills the middle for Denver
With centers Nikola Jokić and Jonas Valančiūnas sidelined, Denver Nuggets forward/center Zeke Nnaji has delivered solid minutes at the five spot, The Denver Post noted. Over his past three games, the fourth-year big man recorded five steals and six blocks. Guard Jamal Murray praised Nnaji’s “amazing defense,” and acting head coach David Adelman added, “I don’t remember him moving this well.” Nnaji signed a four-year, $32 million extension in October 2023 but had been out of the regular rotation.
Timberwolves streak to top-four position
Minnesota’s four-game winning run has lifted the Timberwolves into the Western Conference’s top four. The Athletic reported that center Rudy Gobert is playing as well as he ever has in Minnesota, while guard Anthony Edwards topped 10,000 career points on Thursday, becoming the third-youngest player in NBA history to reach the mark behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Harkless earns G League honor
Utah Jazz two-way guard Elijah Harkless was named NBA G League Player of the Month for December after averaging 28.3 points and 5.2 assists. Harkless has appeared in seven NBA games this season, with no action since Nov. 18, but has excelled with Utah’s G League affiliate.
Source: Hoops Rumors
